John Morrissey graduated in 1990 from University College Cork with a BSc in Microbiology. He subsequently moved to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany to carry out research for his PhD in the area of yeast cell biology and was awarded a PhD for this research in 1994. His post-doctoral research career brought him first to the University of California, Berkeley, USA (1995-1997) and then to the John Innes Research Centre, Norwich, UK (1998-2000). In 2000, he took up research and teaching positions at UCC and since 2003 has led his own research group of postgraduate and post-doctoral scientists working in the area of yeast biotechnology. In 2024, he led the establishment of the SUSFERM Fermentation Science Research Centre at UCC, an interdisciplinary centre that links microbiology, process and chemical engineering and food science, and focuses on the development of sustainable bioprocesses for food and bioeconomy applications. He has published extensively and his work has been widely cited in the field. His contribution to the scientific field and yeast community is exemplified by extensive paper and grant reviewing activity and membership of International committees and Boards. He is the Editor in Chief of FEMS Yeast Research, represents Ireland on the International Commission for Yeasts (ICY), and is a member of the Executive Board of the European Federation of Biotechnology.

John Morrissey teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules across a range of programmes including Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Genetics.

He is Director of the Masters in Engineering Science in Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. This 12 month taught Masters interdisciplinary degree combines microbiology, biotechnology, and process & chemical engineering. It provides graduates with life-sciences or other relevant backgrounds the opportunity to acquire advanced biotechnology skills, as well as engineering skills - and an engineering qualification - that are highly sought after in the modern biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors. https://www.ucc.ie/en/menibb/